find each others light

hi stacie -- what plan are you following? it seems like it is working for you. everyone responds differently to the various training plans that are out there, so the key is to find the one you works best for you and helps you maximize your performance without getting injured. i personally do not follow any sort of plan, because i found that i kept getting injured because i was listening to my plan and not my body. i changed my training so that it had a general structure but was flexible based on how i felt on any given day. (the general plan is consistent mileage of 7-12 miles per day, with progression runs, fast finish runs, tempo runs, occasional long runs and occasional short races to test fitness).

for the BQ, i would say your best bet is to slowly increase your mileage to 40-45 miles per week. right now you are averaging about 33 miles per week for the year -- with your average in april up to 42. i think the cross training is good, as it seems to have helped you avoid injury -- maybe just reduce the number of cross training days, or run 1-2 miles on those days in order to increase the volume. i have found that tempo runs of 3-4 miles at the end of a run really help me get in shape for the marathon. you may also want to try fast finish long runs, where you gradually speed up in the final 5 miles of your long run and finish at marathon pace. the only thing about increased mileage is that you have to be very careful and build it up gradually -- the most important part of your training is that you are actually able to train and you aren't hobbling around with nagging injuries (like me!)

i think you definitely have the speed to get the BQ. you also have the determination and work ethic to follow through with any training plan, so i am confident you will meet your goal.

remember, all of this is coming from someone who is injured, so if you want to disregard what i said above, i understand completely :)

go stacie!

From Kelli!

OH, Allie, I feel so smart!!!! I just pm'd her almost the same advice (although you are way more specific, like a REAL runner). BUT, to think, I think like a real pro!

AND no one would ever disregard what you say, you are the QUEEN, silly! Wear your crown proudly, even injured!

Thank you!! You guys are awesome!

I have complete faith in you, you are going to do great! Have fun in Ogden, save something for that downhill at mile 18---it killed my legs! That was the day I learned just how BAD I was at downhill running.

allie- my first plan was a Hal Hidgon beginning and for this marathon I followed a plan that was a mixture of Hal Higdon beginning/intermediate with an experienced marathon runners additions thrown in:)

I think I'll be great with that "general plan" w/o a strict plan from somebody else. This second time around I have been doing the speed work like I hadn't before. I've read about the fast finish runs as well. I know what I need to do I guess I'm a little nervous about it. I'm excited for Ogden and then to take it up a notch or 12 after that. After a rest Kelli!:) I'm actually doing Ragnar (which is just fun) and then my first cruise ever after that so...that'll be great rest!!!

thanks for that last piece of advice about Ogden Kelli!

umm..I got nothing.

allie and kelli-I am so sorry about your injuries and I hope i'm not annoying you by asking for advice at this time. thanks again!

I've thought long and hard about your training, and how disciplined and determined you are. After sleeping on it and painstakingly going over and over all the details in my mind, here's my 2 cents: what they said.